JPH11258954A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copying machine which has a charge control mode controlling the number of image forming times in accordance with a charge put into a charge put-in device and also a charge noncontrol mode controlling the number of image forming times without putting in the charge and whose operability is excellent for both users even by using either mode. SOLUTION: In the case of judging that the charge control mode is set (Yes in S10), an initial state such as the size of recording paper used and a color and an image forming function to be used are set for the charge control mode (S14 and S15). On the other hand, in the case of judging that the charge noncontrol mode is set (No in S10), it is detected whether the charge put-in device is connected or not, and only in the case that it is not connected (No in S11), an EEPROM stores as a control set mode is the charge noncontrol mode, and also the initial state and the image forming function to be used and set for the charge noncontrol mode (S16-18).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a charge input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large number of copiers having a charge input device (hereinafter referred to as "copy bender") capable of copying when a charge is input have been installed in convenience stores and the like. If the copy vendor is provided, the user can perform the copy operation himself / herself and can directly respond to the request of the user, so that the copy service in a convenience store or the like with a small number of hands can be greatly improved.

[0003] By the way, in a copying machine provided with a copy vendor as described above, it is necessary to charge a fee each time when an administrator who manages the copying machine attempts to copy or when a service person copies for maintenance. It was very inconvenient. Therefore, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 4-2369, as long as a pre-registered password is input,
There is disclosed a technology that enables copying without charging a copy vendor.

According to the technique disclosed in this publication, a copy service is provided to a general user for a fee, and only a specific user who knows a personal identification number can copy free of charge. As a result, it is possible to switch between a mode in which copying cannot be performed without charging a fee (charge management mode) and a mode in which copying can be performed without charging a fee (non-charge management mode).

[0005]

However, in the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, the management mode for simply determining whether or not a charge is required is switched. And so on were exactly the same.
Therefore, even if it is easy to use for administrators and servicemen who want various copy functions such as double-sided copy function and auto paper function that automatically selects recording paper according to document size, such special functions are available. For ordinary users who rarely use it, on the contrary, the copy operation becomes complicated because it has abundant functions,
In many cases, an unnecessary key is pressed by mistake and a mistake is made to make a copy, which is inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has both a charge management mode and a non-charge management mode, and is easy to use for both general users and administrators. It is intended to provide a device.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a charge management mode that includes a charge input device and manages the number of times of image formation in accordance with the charge input to the charge input device. An image forming apparatus capable of switching between a non-charge management mode and a non-charge management mode for managing the number of times of image formation without requiring the input of a charge, a switching unit for switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, and a charge management mode. Setting means for setting different image forming conditions in accordance with switching of the non-charge management mode.

In the fee management mode, a fee required for each image forming operation to be executed is predetermined, and when the mode is switched to the fee management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit sets the initial state. Is characterized in that image forming conditions under which an image forming operation can be executed at the lowest price are set. Further, the image forming apparatus has a plurality of image forming functions, and when the mode is switched to a charge management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit sets the plurality of image forming functions as image forming conditions of the mode. Among them, a condition is set in which at least one function cannot be executed.

The charge input device can be disconnected from the image forming apparatus main body, and the switching means detects whether the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Means for switching between a charge management mode and a non-charge management mode in accordance with a detection result of the detection means. The charge input device is capable of disconnecting the connection with the image forming apparatus main body, and the switching unit is configured to include a receiving unit that receives designation of any one of the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, and the charge unit. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and designation of the non-charge management mode is received by the receiving means,
The mode is switched to the non-charge management mode only when it is detected that the charge input device is not connected to the image forming apparatus main body.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to a digital color copying machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "copying machine"). (1) Overall Configuration of Copying Machine FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 has a copying machine main body 2 connected to a coin bender 60. The copying machine main body 2 is roughly divided into an image reader section 10 for reading a document image, and a read image on a recording sheet. And a printer section 20 for printing and reproducing the information.

The image reader section 10 is a known one which reads an image of a document placed on a document glass plate (not shown) by moving the scanner 11, and irradiates an exposure lamp 12 provided on the scanner 11. Is formed on a full-color CCD sensor 17 via folding mirrors 13 to 16 and a condenser lens (not shown). The full-color CCD sensor 17 converts the image data of the document into three types of electrical signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) by A / D conversion.
B image data is obtained.

The image data for each color component obtained by the image reader unit 10 undergoes various data processing in the control unit 100, and further undergoes cyan (C), magenta (M),
The image data is converted into image data of each reproduction color of yellow (Y) and black (K) (hereinafter, cyan, magenta, yellow,
Each of the black reproduction colors is represented by C, M, Y, and K, and C, M, Y, and K are added as subscripts to the numbers of the components related to each reproduction color.

The control unit 100 sends the image data of these reproduced colors to the print head unit 21 and drives a laser diode built in the print head unit 21 to
The surface of the photoreceptor drum 22 is exposed for any of the reproduced colors C, M, Y, and K. The photosensitive drum 22 has a residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive member by a cleaner 23 before the above-described exposure, and is further irradiated with an eraser lamp 24 to be neutralized. Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 22 is uniformly charged by a charging charger 25. When the above-described exposure is performed in the state of being uniformly charged, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor on the surface of the photoconductor drum 22.

C, M, Y, K toner developing units 26
C to 26K develop the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 by driving only the toner developing units 26C to 26K of the color to be developed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 22.
On the other hand, each of the paper cassettes 41 and 4
The control unit 100 controls the paper cassettes 41 and 4 based on the detection signals from the paper size detection sensors 411, 421 and 431 provided in the printers 2 and 43.
Either of 2 and 43 is selected, and a recording sheet (not shown) is supplied. The paper cassette 41 stores A4 size recording paper, the paper cassette 42 stores A3 size recording paper, and the paper cassette 43 stores B4 size recording paper.

The leading edge of the recording paper is a timing roller 28
To the suction roller 29, and is gripped by the chucking mechanism on the transfer drum 27, is electrostatically sucked by the suction charger 30, and is wound up in a state where no positional displacement occurs, and Photoconductor drum 2
The image developed to 2 is transferred by the transfer charger 31 onto the recording paper wound on the transfer drum 27.

The printing process as described above is repeated for each of the colors C, M, Y, and K during full-color copying. When printing is completed for all colors, the separation claw 32 and the charge removing chargers 33 and 34 are operated. Then, the recording paper is separated from the surface of the transfer drum 27. Further, the copying machine 1 is capable of monochrome black-and-white copying, and at the time of monochrome copying, the above-described printing process is performed only for black (K) color.

Since the toner image transferred to the recording paper is in an unstable state in which the toner image is immediately peeled off, the toner is fixed on the surface of the recording paper by pressing it while heating in a fixing device 35, and then the paper is discharged from a discharge tray 36. Discharge up. Further, when copying is performed on the back side of the recording paper (so-called “double-sided copy”), the switching claw 51 is actuated to fix the fixing device 3.
The recording paper discharged from the paper reversing unit 5 is transferred to the lower paper reversing unit 50.
The recording paper is first pushed out in the direction of the reversing tray 54 by the reversing roller 53, and then the reversing roller 53 is reversed so that the recording paper is reversed to be sent out to the revolving path 55, and the image is printed on the back. Is formed.

An operation panel 18 is provided at an easy-to-operate position on the front surface of the image reader section 10 as shown by a dotted line. A numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, a start key for instructing the start of copying, and a cassette 41 are provided. To 43, an enlargement / reduction key for selecting the enlargement / reduction copy mode, a color selection key for selecting one of the full color copy mode and the monochrome copy mode, a one-sided copy mode, a two-sided copy mode or A setting key for setting various copy modes such as an enlarged continuous copy mode in which a plurality of copies, for example, four copies are joined to form one original image, is set by the selected cassette, color mode, and setting key. And a display unit for displaying the selected mode.

In the copying machine 1, a document size detection sensor (not shown) for detecting a document size is provided in the image reader section 10, and a cassette having the same size as the detected document size is automatically selected. It has an automatic paper mode and a color select mode that automatically determines whether the original is a color original or a black and white original based on the scanned original image, and sets the full color copy or black and white copy mode based on the judgment result. (Hereafter, the above expansion
Various types of functions performed when forming an image, such as various copy modes such as a reduced copy mode and a duplex copy mode, and an automatic paper mode and a color select mode, are collectively referred to as “image forming functions”. ).

The copy bender 60 is connected to the control unit 100 of the copier body 2 via the connector 61, and the control unit 1
00 and the copy vendor 60 are communicated. The copy vendor 60 is a publicly known one and has a charge input port 62.
When the user inserts a coin, the input amount is displayed on the display unit 65 and a charge input signal is transmitted to the control unit 100. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 100 manages the number of copies (or the number of copies) that can be made according to the input charge, and each time a copy is completed, a copy end signal and information on the charge used for the copy (cost information) ) Is transmitted to the copy vendor 60. The cost information is generated by the control unit 1
The charge is performed based on a charge table stored in advance in the ROM 104 of FIG.

When the copy vendor 60 receives the copy end signal and the cost information, the copy vendor 60 displays a balance on the display unit 65 after subtracting the fee for the copy based on the cost information from the initially input amount. If you run out of money,
When the return button 63 is pressed and the balance is returned to the return port 64, the copy vendor 60 transmits a copy prohibition signal to the control unit 100. When the control unit 100 receives the copy prohibition signal, it displays on the display unit of the operation panel 18 a message stating "Please input a fee to the copy vendor", and prohibits copying.

It is to be noted that the connector 61 is detached from the copying machine body 2 to release the connection, and the non-charge management mode is set in the management setting mode described later so that the copying operation can be performed without requiring a charge. Is also possible. (2) Configuration of Control Unit 100 Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 100
U101, input port 102, output port 103, RO
M104, RAM 105, and EEPROM 106. The input port 102 is connected to the operation panel 18.
It receives the above various key inputs, detection signals of various control sensors in the image reader unit 10 and the printer unit 20, and a charge input signal and a copy inhibition signal from the copy bender 60, and transmits them to the CPU 101.

The ROM 104 has an image reader 10
, A control program relating to the image forming operation in the printer unit 20 and the image forming function, a control program relating to the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, a charge table for generating the cost information, and the like. The RAM 105 temporarily stores various control variables and the number of copies and a copy mode set from the operation panel 18.

The CPU 101 receives the above signals via the input port 102, reads out necessary programs from the ROM 104, and unifies the operations of the image reader unit 10 and the printer unit 20 via the output port 103 while taking timing. Control to perform a smooth copying operation. Further, a copy end signal and cost information are transmitted to the copy vendor 60 via the output port 103.

The EEPROM 106 stores a flag indicating information set in a management setting mode described later. This management setting mode is one of the serviceman modes that can be operated only by a specific person such as an administrator or serviceman, and sets either the charge management mode or the non-charge management mode. The administrator or the like sets the charge management mode when the copy vendor 60 is connected, and sets the non-charge management mode when the copy vendor 60 is disconnected (when the connection is released).

The CPU 101 sets a flag indicating the mode set in the management setting mode in the EEPROM 106, and controls the copying operation in the copying machine 1 based on the set mode. When controlled in the charge management mode, copying can be performed in accordance with the charge input to the copy vendor 60, and when controlled in the non-charge management mode, copying can be performed without requiring input of a charge.

The setting process of the management setting mode will be described later. The EEPROM 106 is provided with another nonvolatile memory, for example, a battery-backed SRAM.
And so on. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a control operation of the entire copying machine 1 by the control unit 100.

When the power of the copier 1 is turned on, first, the RAM 105 and the EEPROM 106 in the control unit 100 are initialized as described later, and an internal timer is set to start time measurement (steps S1 and S2). If the administrator or service person inputs a predetermined password or operates a switch provided inside the copying machine main body 2, if the management setting mode is designated ("Yes" in step S3). ), The fact that the mode is the management setting mode is displayed on the display unit on the operation panel 18, and when the setting processing of the management setting mode described later is executed (step S).
4) Go to step S5.

On the other hand, if the password is not input by the administrator or the like ("No" in step S3), the process proceeds to step S5. Next, when the operator changes the cassette size, copy mode, and the like on the operation panel 18 and presses the start key, the image reader unit 10, the printer unit 20
The copy operation is executed under the control of each unit (step S5), and after the internal timer ends (step S6),
Returning to step S2, the above operation is repeated. As a result, the control of the entire copying machine 1 is time-controlled.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the initial setting in the above step S1. First, CPU
101 determines whether or not the management setting mode is set to the fee management mode by reading the setting contents of the flag in the EEPROM 106 (step S1).
0).

If the CPU 101 determines that the management setting mode is set to the charge management mode (step S
10 "Yes"), the fact that the copier 1 is controlled in the charge management mode is displayed on the display unit on the operation panel 18 and the copy operation is prohibited unless a charge input signal is received from the copy vendor 60. Then, an initial state for the charge management mode is set (step S14).

As the initial state for the charge management mode, a copy mode in which the unit price per copy is the lowest, for example, an A4 size cassette 41 in the cassette stage, a black-and-white copy mode and a one-sided copy mode in each copy mode are set. . The reason for this setting is to reduce the loss for the user even if the user mistakenly copies the data by pressing the start key immediately after inputting the fee. The copy mode with the lowest unit price is set in advance based on the charge table in the ROM 104.

Since this initial state is merely a state set on the operation panel 18 after the power is turned on, the user can select another cassette or a copy mode by operating the keys. . Next, the CPU 10
1 sets an image forming function that can be used in the fee management mode (step S15), and returns.

Here, the automatic paper mode and the color select mode of the image forming functions cannot be performed for a general user who is unfamiliar with the copy operation. If these modes are functioning, for example, even if it is desired to copy a B4 size document onto A3 size recording paper, the B4 size cassette 43 is automatically selected when the document is set, If the user forgets to change this and presses the start key, a copy is made on B4 size recording paper. Even if the copy operation is performed normally, this is the same as a miscopy to the user. The same applies to the case where a color original is to be copied in black and white.If the color select mode is functioning, the color copy mode is set according to the color original.
Unless the color selection key is used to change to black and white copy, color copy will be performed.

Therefore, if these modes are not operated, the user himself or herself selects a cassette or a color mode of a desired size with a cassette key or a color selection key. Decrease. Note that, among the image forming functions, a mode that is not operated is selected in advance and stored in the ROM 104.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the management setting mode is set to the non-charge management mode ("No" in step S10), it is detected whether or not the copy vendor 60 is connected to the copying machine body 2. (Step S11). Whether or not the copy bender 60 is connected to the copying machine body 2 can be determined based on whether or not the connector 61 is connected to the copying machine body 2. For example, some of the pins of the connector 61 are short-circuited, and if it is detected that the terminals corresponding to the pins are short-circuited, the copy bender 60 is connected. do it.

If it is detected that the copy vendor 60 is connected ("Yes" in step S11), the management setting mode is changed to the charge management mode (step S12), and a flag indicating the content is set in the EEPROM.
106 (step S13), and the above-described step S
14. Execute S15 and return. With this control, even after the copy vendor 60 is connected, even if the management setting mode is forgotten to be set to the charge management mode, it is detected that the connector 61 is connected to the copying machine body 2 and the charge management is performed. Since the mode is changed, the control is not performed in the wrong mode.

Further, for example, even if the copy vendor 60 is connected, even if an attempt is made to set the non-charge management mode for free copying, the mode is forcibly changed to the charge management mode. It will not be done. On the other hand, if the copy vendor 60 is not connected ("No" in step S11), a flag indicating that the management setting mode is the non-charge management mode is set to EEPRO.
It is set to M106 (step S16).

At this time, the CPU 101 displays on the operation panel 18 that the copier 1 is controlled in the non-charge management mode, enables the copying operation without requiring a charge, and further controls the non-charge management. An initial state for the mode is set (step S17). As the initial state for the non-charge management mode, a state frequently used by an administrator or the like is preliminarily selected.
Stored in the OM 104. For example, in the cassette stage, the cassette 42 storing A3 size recording paper that is most frequently used for maintenance is set. In each copy mode, a full-color copy mode and a one-sided copy mode are optimally set for test copy in maintenance. Is done.

Further, an image forming function that can be used in the non-charge management mode is set (step S18), and the process returns. . Here, all modes are made to function mainly for a service person who performs maintenance. In this way, by setting the contents set in the initial state and the functions that can be executed among the image forming functions differently in the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode are different from the general user using the charge management mode. For both the administrator and the service person using the charge management mode, the number of operations to be performed when copying is reduced, and the usability is improved.
Furthermore, in the charge management mode, the cheapest copy mode is set in the initial state, so that even if a user mistakenly presses the start key immediately after inputting the charge and makes a copy, the user loses money. Need less. In addition, among the image forming functions, the general user is prevented from executing the auto paper mode and the color select mode in which the operation is particularly erroneous, so that erroneous operations are reduced and erroneous copying is reduced.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the setting process of the management setting mode in step S4. As described above, if the management setting mode is designated by, for example, inputting a predetermined personal identification code by the administrator or serviceman, the display on the operation panel 18 indicates that the management setting mode is set. . Further, the current setting contents are displayed on the display unit, and one of a charge management mode and a non-charge management mode can be set by key operation.

When the charge management mode is set by the administrator or the like ("Yes" in step S40), a flag indicating the charge management mode is set in the EEPROM 106.
(Step S41). And the copying machine 1
Is displayed on the display panel on the operation panel 18 and the copy operation is prohibited unless a charge input signal is received from the copy bender 60, and the initial state and the charge for the charge management mode are controlled. An image forming function that can be used in the management mode is set (step S42,
S43), and return. Steps S42 and S
The initial state and the image forming function set in 43 are the same as the initial state and the image forming function set in steps S14 and S15.

On the other hand, if the non-charge management mode is set (“No” in step S40), the copy vendor 60
Is connected to the copier body 2 (step S44). If it is detected that the copy bender 60 is connected (“Ye
s "), the management setting mode is changed to the charge management mode (step S45), and a flag indicating this content is set to E.
After setting in the EPROM 106 (step S41), the above-described steps S42 and S43 are executed, and the process returns.

By this control, for example, the copy bender 6
Even if 0 is connected, even if an attempt is made to set the non-charge management mode for free copying, the mode is forcibly changed to the charge management mode, so that there is no danger of unauthorized copying. On the other hand, when it is detected that the copy vendor 60 is not connected ("No" in step S44), a flag indicating that the management setting mode is the non-charge management mode is set in the EEPROM 106 (step S46).

Then, the CPU 101 displays on the operation panel 18 that the copying machine 1 is controlled in the non-charge management mode, enables the copying operation without needing to input a charge, and further enables the non-charge management mode. An initial state for use and an image forming function usable in the non-charge management mode are set (steps S47 and S48), and the process returns. The initial state and the image forming function set in steps S47 and S48 are the same as the initial state and the image forming function set in steps S17 and S18. (3) Modified Examples Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modified examples can be considered.

(3-1) In the above embodiment, the management setting mode is set to the non-charge management mode, and the connector 6
Although the non-charge management mode is set only when 1 is not connected, for example, either the charge management mode or the non-charge management mode can be set by a simple method of detecting the connection state of the connector 61. You may make it set. By doing so, the trouble of specifying the mode on the operation panel 18 can be omitted.

(3-2) In the charge management mode, the automatic paper mode and the color select mode are not operated, but other modes, for example, only the enlarged continuous shooting mode, may not be operated. . (3-3) In the above embodiment, the copy mode in which the unit price per copy is the lowest is set as the initial state for the charge management mode. A copy mode that is considered to be most frequently used by the user may be set. By doing so, the number of operations to be performed when copying is reduced, and the number of erroneous operations by the user is reduced, so that the number of erroneous copies is also reduced.

(3-4) In the above embodiment, whether the copy bender 60 is connected to the copying machine body 2 is determined by detecting the connection state of the connector 61. Vendor 60 and copier body 2
A switch (switch) is provided on the signal line connecting
When this switch is turned on, the signal line is connected and turned off.
To be in a disconnected state, and this ON / OF
By configuring so that the F state can be detected, it may be determined whether or not the copy bender 60 is connected.

(3-5) In the above embodiment, the copy bender 60 is connected to the copying machine main body 2 by the connector 61.
May be built in the copying machine body 2. (3-6) The initial setting (step S1) in the above embodiment is performed when the power is turned on.
This may be performed when the connection state of the connector 61 changes while the power of the copying machine 1 is turned on. In this way, no matter when the connector 61 is connected or disconnected,
Switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode is performed accurately, and the above-described illegal copying can be prevented.

(3-7) In the above embodiment, a full-color copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a full-color copying machine, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a mono-color copying machine, a laser printer, and the like. Applicable to general equipment.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention, different image forming conditions are set according to switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode by the setting means. For both a general user who uses the service and an administrator or a service person who uses the non-payment management mode, the number of operations to be performed when forming an image can be reduced, and the usability is improved.

Further, when the mode is switched to the charge management mode, the setting means is set so that the image forming operation can be executed at the lowest charge in the initial state. However, the user does not need to lose much money. Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a plurality of image forming functions, and when the mode is switched to the charge management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit performs an operation for the general user among the image forming functions. Since at least one of the easily erroneous image forming functions is set so as not to be executed, erroneous operations are reduced and erroneous copying is reduced.

Further, the charge input device can be disconnected from the image forming apparatus main body, and the switching means includes a detecting means for detecting whether or not the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. The mode is switched between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode in accordance with the detection result of the detection means. There is no need to perform an operation such as specifying one mode, which saves time and effort.

The charge input device can be disconnected from the image forming apparatus main body, and the switching means can be
Receiving means for receiving designation of any one of the charge management mode and non-charge management mode; and detecting means for detecting whether or not the charge input device is connected to an image forming apparatus main body. Is switched to the non-charge management mode only when it is detected that the non-charge management mode is specified and the charge input device is not connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Even if an attempt is made to execute image formation free of charge by designating the non-charge management mode, the image forming apparatus cannot be switched to the non-charge management mode as long as the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and image formation is illegally performed. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an entire configuration of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit in the copying machine main body.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of a control operation in the control unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of initialization (step S1) in the flowchart of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a setting process (step S4) of a management setting mode in the flowchart of FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 2 Copier main body 10 Image reader part 18 Operation panel 20 Printer part 60 Copy bender 61 Connector 62 Charge inlet 63 Return button 64 Return port 65 Display part 100 Control part 101 CPU 102 Input port 103 Output port 104 ROM 105 RAM 106 EEPROM

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A charge management mode that includes a charge input device and manages the number of image formations in accordance with a charge input to the charge input device, and a non-charge management mode that manages the number of image formations without requiring charge input. An image forming apparatus capable of switching between a charge management mode and a charge management mode, wherein the switching means switches between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, and different image forming conditions are set according to switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode. An image forming apparatus, comprising: setting means for setting. 2. In the fee management mode, a fee required for each image forming operation to be executed is predetermined.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the mode is switched to the fee management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit sets an image forming condition in which an image forming operation can be executed at a lowest rate as an initial state. apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus has a plurality of image forming functions, and when switched to a charge management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit sets the plurality of images as image forming conditions in the mode. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the forming functions is set to a condition in which the function cannot be executed. 4. The charge input device can be disconnected from the image forming apparatus main body, and the switching unit detects whether the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for switching between a charge management mode and a non-charge management mode according to a detection result of the detection means. 5. The charge input device is capable of canceling connection with an image forming apparatus main body, and the switching unit is configured to receive a designation of one of the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode. And detection means for detecting whether or not the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. The designation of the non-charge management mode is received by the receiving means, and the charge input device is 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode is switched to the non-charge management mode only when it is detected that the apparatus is not connected to the forming apparatus main body.